It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by familiar faces – serve as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
