It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
