This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
