It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
