It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
