It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
