This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
