It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
