This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
