It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm 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. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
