This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
