This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
