This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents observe their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location doubles as a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. It provides a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the dog resort scenario. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal seems a touch too detached, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their original breakup would feel more adult and realistic with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
