It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
