It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
