It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
