It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
