This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
