It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, 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. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
