It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: 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 uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
