It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
