It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations impede individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses 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 canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.