It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
