This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
