It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
