It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
