It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
