This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The plot is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will surely realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow surrounding green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the dog is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more nuanced with greater exploration and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.