It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such setups impede former couples from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively remains rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring a group of comedic actors – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries surrounding lush pines as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
