This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
