This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
