This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
