This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, especially when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
