It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits 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 certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
