This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by 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, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
