It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
