It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
