It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
