It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to lush pines as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
