This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
