This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall 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 coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
