It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted 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 – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
