This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent former couples from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, lead to tension, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – many owners observe their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom around this situation works effectively is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and under the guidance of playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow piled on green trees as a summer location substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for pet content. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie does offer dog beach fun, dog depression, and, ultimately, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the romantic plot. The tone wavers between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not Cox's performance, who is fully game the absurd and awkward demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, brings a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna can feel a little too aloof, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, given that the title character is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for the split might seem more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is slight and sweet, fulfilling all its marks. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
