It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain 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. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be 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, given that Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
