This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
