This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
