It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
