It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
