This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
