It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
