This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
