It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video this December.