This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
