This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
