This is a widely held belief in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such setups impede individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively is rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
