It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
