It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by 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. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.
