This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
