This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on walking sequences, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is by far the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
