It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
