This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
