It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
