This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from healing, 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 dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
