It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
