This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of animals – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
