This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
