This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
