This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies 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 be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
