It is a widely held belief among many that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. As it turns out, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – countless people observe their deep emotional capacity. For a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall another performance. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and under the guidance of director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
