This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
