It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
