It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
