This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
