It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
