It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
