It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
