This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
