This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
