This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups hinder individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of dogs – many owners speak of their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation holds water is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by director Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity remains surface-level. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup might seem more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
