It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
