This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed 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 are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
