This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.