This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such setups impede former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation works effectively seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and helmed by director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
