This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
