This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes 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 luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
