This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
