It is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split could have been more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
