This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
