This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
