It is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
