This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
