This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
