This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
