It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
