This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
