This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
