It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
