It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
