It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
