It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.