It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
