This is a widely held belief among many that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
