This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
