It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
