It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
