This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – countless people attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is visibly contrived – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
