It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
