It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
