It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
