This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance 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 catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
