It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
