This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
