It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
