It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – 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 holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
