This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be 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 scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
