This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. 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. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
