This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
