It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt 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 divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
