This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
