This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
