It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
