It is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such setups prevent ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, in a revelation fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their profound sensitivity. If you need prime example in dog sorrow, simply recall a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup is sustainable seems rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is. This is a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions remains surface-level. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is matched by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects piled on green trees as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
Whether these predictable parts come together into a pleasant experience hinges on the actors' work and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. It provides a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between what the dog does and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style shifts uneasily between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny required by the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since the dog is by far the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Making a film with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
