This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the mental health of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
