It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
