It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
