It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of 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, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
