This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
