It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
