This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
