This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
