This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
