It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
