It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
