This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
