It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by 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 streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
