This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
