This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
