This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
