This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
