It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
