This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, 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, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
