This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that sharing custody a canine companion after a breakup is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such setups hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and while this leads to some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
