This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
