It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
