This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
