This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
