It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
