This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
