This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – many owners attest to their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adapting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by the writing duo and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than its premise. We have here a seasonal offering from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a canine-centric retreat. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – think obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is the canine star, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the interpersonal drama. The tone wavers between emotional depth, broad humor, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the unusual premise. His performance contains a charming humility that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, the canine performer succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, considering the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – even if it's hardly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on Amazon Prime Video this December.
