This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
