It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – 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 of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative proves to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
