It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
