This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains 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 the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
