This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
