It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
