This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
