It is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder individuals from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog played by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think fake snow clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The central draw is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the romantic plot. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a very good boy.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
