It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
