It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv 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 nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
