This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
