This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
