This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
