This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation works effectively seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
