It is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between emotional depth, broad humor, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, not quite landing a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
