This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
