This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
