It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce 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 – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
