It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight 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 meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
