This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
