It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
