It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
