This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
