This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
