It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent individuals from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. As it turns out, in a revelation worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than its premise. This is a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth remains surface-level. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as a summer location doubles as a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for pet content. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. Its style vacillates between emotional depth, wacky comedy, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will click for some but not others. The character seems a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their separation might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
