This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
