It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" 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 interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
