This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
