It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
