This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
