This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
