It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles 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 substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is easily the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
