This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
