This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
