It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge 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 – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
