This is a common warning among many that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to feel down.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents attest to their deep emotional capacity. For a standout portrayal in pet despair, consider a past film. I firmly believe that a dog of Merv's nature, a spirited little dog brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water remains a questionable prospect.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, written by its screenwriters and helmed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than a light film. It functions as a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they should reunite. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – serve as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – think flurries surrounding lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients come together into an entertaining watch depends on the execution and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and people's faces, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Human Element
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, failing to master any one mode. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe inherent in the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a little too aloof, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Gus the Dog is convincing at looking despondent – while no Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, since Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation could have been more adult and realistic with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Prime Video this December.
