This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
