This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
