This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
