This is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
