This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. 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 coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings 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 particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
