This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a dog post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict works effectively seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – think flurries surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages acting depressed – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
