This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
