This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
