This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
