This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.