This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
