This is an often-repeated piece of advice for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet after a breakup is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. For a masterclass in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the complexity remains surface-level. The narrative unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – not quite a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
