This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the dog is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict has potential – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
