This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
