This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
