It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
