It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by 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 obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
