This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
