It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
