It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
