It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
