It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
