This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups hinder individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. 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 around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – including a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since Merv is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
