It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
