This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight 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 cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
