It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from finding closure, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
