This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
