This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
