This is a common warning for numerous people that co-parenting a dog following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations hinder former couples from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – countless people speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by Gus the Dog, would struggle adapting to split households. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on such a setup is sustainable remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – serve as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects clinging to green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
If these predictable parts coalesce into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that offers a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when alongside Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with less exposition and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – even if it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video on December 10th.
