It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
