This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
