It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together 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 knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, 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 demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
