This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
