It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
