This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying across the board. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
