This is a common warning in certain circles that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and are a nuisance for all parties. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
While respecting the mental health of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a standout portrayal in pet despair, simply recall a past film. It seems certain that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adapting to divided living arrangements. If this concept a full holiday film around this situation holds water seems a questionable prospect.Predictable Foundations
Fairness demands noting, Merv, the work of its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. We have here a holiday release from a streaming platform giant – the complexity is limited. The plot is destined to be simple and direct: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, decide on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will surely stumble toward the idea that they should reunite. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – exemplified by flurries piled on green trees as a warm climate substitutes for a wintery Boston.
The Canine Charisma
How these standard ingredients come together into something enjoyable depends on the execution and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some awkward editing between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on dog beach fun, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success cannot be applied for the romantic plot. Its style wavers between relationship drama, wacky comedy, formulaic romance, and silly gags, failing to master a consistent feel. This is not Charlie Cox, who is fully game the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that supplies much of the film's charm for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character seems a touch too detached, notably when paired with Cox's genuine sadness. (For what it's worth, Gus the Dog succeeds in acting depressed – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
The story strives to give weight to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, since Merv is undoubtedly the most adorable aspect of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting every expected note. Creating a movie on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video starting December 10.
