It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
