It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.