This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.