It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (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 – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
