It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
