It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
