This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
