It is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a pet following a split is ill-advised. Experts frequently claim such situations impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and become annoying across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the canine in question to become depressed.
Without minimizing the inner life of animals – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. To witness a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider recent cinema. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type brought to life by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to life in two homes. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on this conflict holds water seems rather doubtful.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, the work of the writing duo and helmed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims anything more than what it is. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their own sadness is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a dog-friendly resort. At this location, predictably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they are better together. Side characters – featuring a group of comedic actors – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by flurries clinging to verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these familiar elements coalesce into something enjoyable depends on the execution and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – those people who browse regularly for pet content. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between animal action and the actors' responses, the movie does offer canine party antics, dog depression, and, in the end, doggie joy.
The Two-Legged Cast
Such effectiveness cannot be applied for the human side of the story. Its style shifts uneasily between relationship drama, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and silly gags, failing to master any one mode. This is not Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. He brings a likable self-deprecation that supplies a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Anna's portrayer, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will either resonate with viewers. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, particularly when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he is still a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to give weight to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the dog is by far the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their separation could have been more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, meeting all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv becomes available on Prime Video starting December 10.
