It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede individuals from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Apparently, and in a twist worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the canine in question to feel down.
Without minimizing the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their profound sensitivity. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult coping with divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions is limited. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – serve as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is obviously artificial – as seen in fake snow piled on verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the actors' work and one's taste for easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for pet content. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and though it results in some stilted moments between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, not quite landing a single genre. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the dog resort scenario. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, Merv himself manages acting depressed – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video this December.
