This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
