This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings 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 heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
