This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
