This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
