This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time coping with split households. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.