This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
