It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
