This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover 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 carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
