This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners observe their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
