This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
