This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, 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 feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
