This is a widely held belief for numerous people that co-parenting a pet following a split is a recipe for trouble. Most will argue such arrangements impede ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, lead to tension, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. As it turns out, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it reportedly leads to our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – countless people observe their profound sensitivity. For a prime example in canine melancholy, one need only look a past film. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would find it difficult adjusting to split households. The idea of basing a full holiday film around this situation holds water remains rather doubtful.Predictable Foundations
To its credit, Merv, crafted by Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart and directed by Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the depth remains surface-level. The plot unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ, played by Charlie Cox and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their post-breakup gloom is matched by their dog's, embark on a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. At this location, predictably, they will presumably rediscover the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – played by Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – fulfill roles eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a Christmas setting that is visibly contrived – exemplified by fake snow piled on lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Canine Charisma
How these predictable parts come together into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – the kind who browse regularly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is Merv himself, and even if it causes some awkward editing between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on canine party antics, dog depression, and, finally, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the romantic plot. The film's approach shifts uneasily between relationship drama, broad humor, predictable love story, and physical comedy, never fully committing to a consistent feel. This is not the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe required by the unusual premise. He brings a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, as is her trademark, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will click for some but not others. Her Anna seems a bit too dry, notably when contrasted against Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (It should be noted, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he remains a very good boy.)
The story strives to give weight to the couple's history for sequences focusing solely on them – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is easily the cutest element of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The catalyst for their original breakup could have been more grounded and mature with greater exploration and less blunt explanation. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict has potential – though I wouldn't call it a great one either.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform starting December 10.
