This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
