This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
