This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
