This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
