It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of dogs – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline proves to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
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 easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
