This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. 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, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
