This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
