It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
