This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
