This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
