This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
