This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
