It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
