It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
