This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
