This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause our furry friends to become depressed.
Without minimizing the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their deep emotional capacity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would struggle coping with life in two homes. If this concept a full holiday film on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as straightforward: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a summer location substitutes for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the actors' work and the viewer's appetite for easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for pet content. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie delivers on canine party antics, pet moping, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise is not earned for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. He brings a charming humility that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal seems a bit too dry, particularly when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (For what it's worth, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the title character is by far the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with more screen time and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
