It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
