This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
