It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
