This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity is limited. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a very good boy.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
