This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
