It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
