This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
