This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion after a breakup is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of animals – countless people attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than a light film. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative proves to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will surely realize the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in flurries clinging to lush pines as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, particularly when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie with this canine conflict has potential – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
