This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
