It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by 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 obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
