This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
