This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
