It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
