It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
