It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing 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 are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
