This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
