This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
