This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
