It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
