This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
