It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of 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 is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
