It is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, as a development worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, 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 required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
