It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
