It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
