It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies 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. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
