This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, lead to scheduling chaos, lead to tension, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to become depressed.
While respecting the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their profound sensitivity. To witness a prime example in pet despair, simply recall recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time adapting to split households. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict is sustainable is debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than a light film. We have here a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth is limited. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), confronting that their post-breakup gloom is surpassed by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring familiar faces – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on lush pines as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
If these predictable parts coalesce into something enjoyable rests upon the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. It provides a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success cannot be applied for the interpersonal drama. The tone vacillates between emotional depth, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and physical comedy, never fully committing to any one mode. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides much of the film's charm for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a bit too dry, notably when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (It should be noted, Gus the Dog manages looking despondent – not quite the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
