This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
