This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, 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 stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
