This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
