This is a widely held belief for numerous people that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.