This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than what it is. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements come together into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
