This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
