It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
