It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
