This is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. It provides a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering Merv is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
