It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
