It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
