This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
