It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
