This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting 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 presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a series of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
