This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched 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 – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
