This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
