This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
