This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
