This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
