It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
