It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
