This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
