It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
