It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. 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 does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
