It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
