This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
