This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
