This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
