This is a common warning among many that sharing custody a dog after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
