It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
