It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
