It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth 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, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
