This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
