This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements prevent individuals from finding closure, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist fit for a streaming movie, it can even cause the dogs themselves to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by Gus the Dog, would have a hard time adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation is sustainable is rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – think flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate doubles as the Northeast.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts merge into something enjoyable depends on the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness is not earned for the romantic plot. The film's approach wavers between emotional depth, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, not quite landing a single genre. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the humiliating and funny demanded of the bizarre setting. Cox exhibits a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her portrayal comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The film attempts to give weight to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering Merv is undoubtedly the best part of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The reason for the split would feel more nuanced with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting every expected note. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
