This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and become annoying across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by Gus the Dog, would struggle adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, never aspires to be anything more than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a streaming platform giant – the depth remains surface-level. The narrative is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a canine-centric retreat. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Its aesthetic carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by obvious snow effects surrounding lush pines as North Carolina stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who seek out for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a endearing lack of ego that supplies much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to add substance to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, considering the dog is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split could have been more adult and realistic with less exposition and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Creating a movie about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
