It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
