This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
