This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, 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. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
