It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
