This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
