This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
