This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
