This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of animals – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need prime example in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in flurries piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog succeeds in looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
