This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
