It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
