It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
