It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
