This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
