This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. 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 on such a setup works effectively is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, considering Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
