It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow clinging to green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
