This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
