It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
