This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
