This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
