This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
