It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
