It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
