It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
