This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
