It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
