It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
