It is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog such as Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation works effectively remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
Honestly, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. It functions as a Christmas movie from a streaming platform giant – the complexity are modest. Its storyline unfolds as simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look has the quality of a streaming service original, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding verdant foliage as a summer location stands in for the Northeast.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these predictable parts merge into an entertaining watch rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. On the latter point, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who seek out for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, pet moping, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
Such effectiveness does not extend for the human side of the story. The film's approach wavers between serious study, broad humor, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, failing to master a consistent feel. The fault lies not with Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that offers much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, injects a certain millennial quirkiness that will either resonate with viewers. The character comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a very good boy.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this film designed for charm. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The reason for their original breakup would feel more grounded and mature with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is slight and sweet, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if I wouldn't call it a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
