This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
