This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
