It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no 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 bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
