This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica 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 narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
