This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
