It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
