It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
