This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, 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, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
