This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
