This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
