This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
