It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think fake snow surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
