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. Most will argue such situations impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adjusting to split households. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup holds water is a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the complexity is limited. The narrative unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – think flurries surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and though it results in some awkward editing between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog is convincing at acting depressed – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the dog is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more grounded and mature with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video on December 10th.
