It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses 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 luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
