This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
