It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
