It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
