It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
