It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
