This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
