This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
