It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to 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 endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
