This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
