It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
