This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by 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 Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
