This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style 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 humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
