This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be 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, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
