This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge 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 stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
