This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
