It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
