It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
