It is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in pet despair, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than what it is. We have here a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
