This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
