This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
