It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
