It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
