This is a common warning for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
