It is a common warning among many that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause our furry friends to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the inner life of our pets – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between serious study, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
