This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
