This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The narrative proves to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
