It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
