This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
