It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of animals – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
