This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating across the board. As it turns out, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and helmed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – played by familiar faces – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these predictable parts come together into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a touch too detached, especially when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at acting depressed – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their original breakup might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.
