It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
