This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
