It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements prevent ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The reason for the split could have been more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
