This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience 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 pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
