This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
