This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
