This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
