This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
