This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
