It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
