It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
