This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
