This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
