This is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such arrangements prevent former couples from healing, create logistical nightmares, fuel disputes, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the mental health of dogs – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a prime example in canine melancholy, consider a past film. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog played by Gus the Dog, would struggle coping with divided living arrangements. Whether this premise an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water is debatable at best.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than a light film. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the ambitions are modest. The narrative proves to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, decide on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. Its aesthetic has the quality of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is obviously artificial – exemplified by fake snow surrounding verdant foliage as a warm climate doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
Whether these familiar elements merge into a pleasant experience rests upon the execution and an acceptance of cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. The film delivers a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between animal action and people's faces, the movie does offer walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, finally, doggie joy.
The Human Element
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. The tone shifts uneasily between emotional depth, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and physical comedy, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the absurd and awkward inherent in the bizarre setting. He brings a endearing lack of ego that offers the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal can feel a touch too detached, particularly when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Merv himself manages looking despondent – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, given that Merv is easily the most adorable aspect of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation might seem more nuanced with more screen time and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is slight and sweet, meeting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film about dog co-parenting is not terrible – but I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video starting December 10.
