This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
