It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
