This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
