This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such situations prevent former couples from healing, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be more profound than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the depth is limited. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a certain millennial quirkiness that will be to your taste or not. The character can feel a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more nuanced with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
