It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: 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, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
