This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.