It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom around this situation is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
