This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, 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 silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
