This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
