This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type 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 works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.