It is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
