It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only 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 – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
