It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
