It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
