It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
