It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound 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: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve 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 obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
