It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
