It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
