It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
