This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
