This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
