It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think flurries piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
