It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
