This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
