It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
