It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
