This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – individuals 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 stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
