This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
