This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
