This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
