This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
