It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
