This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by 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 – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
