It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in pet despair, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
