It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only 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 are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
