It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
