This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
