This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations prevent former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions is limited. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward 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 branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
