It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
