It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
