This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (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 canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
