This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
