This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
