This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
