This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
