This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
