This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point 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, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
