It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements hinder former couples from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as North Carolina doubles as a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
