This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
