It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
