It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of dogs – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot proves to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a series of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
