This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
