This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
