It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched 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 are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
