It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
