It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
