It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
