This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
