It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
