It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, 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, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
