It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
