This is an often-repeated piece of advice among many that co-parenting a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Most will argue such arrangements hinder ex-partners from finding closure, lead to scheduling chaos, spark arguments, and prove frustrating across the board. Apparently, in a revelation suited to a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the inner life of our pets – countless people observe their remarkable empathy. If you need masterclass in dog sorrow, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog of Merv's nature, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by director Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a holiday release from a corporate studio – the complexity are modest. The plot is destined to be uncomplicated: a separated couple Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is matched by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they belong with each other. Side characters – including familiar faces – fulfill roles the usual assortment of types. The film's look is reminiscent of a streaming service original, with a Christmas setting that is clearly manufactured – as seen in obvious snow effects surrounding green trees as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements come together into an entertaining watch hinges on the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for comfort viewing. On the latter point, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of scenes focused on the pet. The main attraction is Merv himself, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, dog depression, and, finally, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The tone shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and physical comedy, failing to master a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe inherent in the dog resort scenario. He brings a likable self-deprecation that offers much of the film's charm for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, brings a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her portrayal can feel a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, Merv himself succeeds in looking despondent – he may not be Messi from that acclaimed drama, he's definitely an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the central romance for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this cute-aiming movie. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for the split might seem more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. As it stands, Merv is gentle and pleasant, fulfilling all its marks. Creating a movie with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a great one either.
- Merv streams on the Amazon platform this December.
