This is a widely held belief for numerous people that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – pet parents observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time coping with split households. The idea of basing a feature-length romcom on this conflict works effectively remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by director Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. The narrative is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, take a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted 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 – think obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate substitutes for a cold December city.
Where the Film Shines
How these familiar elements come together into something enjoyable hinges on the execution and an acceptance of comfort viewing. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a series of canine-centric sequences. The central draw is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is fully game the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer manages looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, since the title character is easily the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for the split would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting has potential – though I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
