It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
