It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
