It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
