It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would struggle coping with split households. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
