It is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Seemingly, in a revelation suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of our pets – pet parents observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a masterclass in pet despair, consider recent cinema. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix brought to life by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. If this concept an entire Christmas romance on such a setup works effectively seems rather doubtful.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, never aspires to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline is destined to be simple and direct: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their own sadness is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – featuring familiar faces – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Visually carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – as seen in flurries piled on green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the execution and one's taste for comfort viewing. Regarding the second aspect, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a series of scenes focused on the pet. The primary selling point is the canine star, and while this leads to some awkward editing between animal action and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach vacillates between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is fully game the silliness and cringe demanded of the dog resort scenario. He brings a charming humility that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a bit too dry, especially when alongside Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Merv himself succeeds in flopping and whining – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he is still an excellent dog.)
The film attempts to give weight to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a regrettable choice, given that the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it achieves only baseline competence. The reason for their separation would feel more grounded and mature with more screen time and more subtle storytelling. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story with this canine conflict is not terrible – though it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video this December.
