This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Seemingly, in a revelation fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – pet parents speak of their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in dog sorrow, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth are modest. The plot unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will presumably stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually has the quality of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these standard ingredients come together into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing any one mode. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their original breakup would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
