This 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 setups prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
