It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by 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 luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
