This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
