It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
