This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
