This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
