This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
