It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
