This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
