This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, 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 contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
