It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
