It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
