This is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
