This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
