It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
