This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
