It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction 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 walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
