This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides 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. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
