It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
