It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent 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 warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
