This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
