It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
