It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
