This is a widely held belief in certain circles that co-parenting a dog after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look a past film. It seems certain that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, since the title character is by far the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
