This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such setups impede individuals from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Without minimizing the mental health of dogs – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in dog sorrow, simply recall recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. This is a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot proves to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. The supporting cast – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a summer location substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and an acceptance of easy entertainment. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is Merv himself, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer walking sequences, pet moping, and, ultimately, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and silly gags, not quite landing a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal comes across as a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to add substance to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is light and sugary, meeting every expected note. Making a film on this shared-custody premise isn't a bad idea – though it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv streams on Prime Video starting December 10.
