This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
