It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
