It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
