It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
