It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
