This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
