It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
