This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
