It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
