It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
