This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
