This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
