This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
