It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – 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 – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
